Youth programs provided by the universities of the 91Ï㽶¶ÌÊÓƵ System, in partnership, or third-parties, are available throughout the academic year, including summer session, on and off the four university campuses. Throughout these programs, the University is committed to providing the best possible experience for any participating child while ensuring a safe environment for all participants.
This policy establishes minimum requirements for the protection of minors participating in Youth Programs held on university premises or operated by the university. A Youth Program is an academic, athletic or recreational activity or program offered to a minor by the University, or by a non-university group using University facilities, or in partnership during which youth are the primary audience. Refer to the policy for details.
To operate a Youth Program at a 91Ï㽶¶ÌÊÓƵ System university, it must be registered with the UM System's youth program registry, follow the procedure in the Youth Protection Guide, and your department approval process.
Please consult the Youth Program Guide for further operational details for internal youth programs. This guide, and other resources, are available under Program Director Resources on the home page.
Some youth-related activities are not subject to these provisions. Others, such as 4-H programs, athletic recruiting and research studies involving minors have alternate processes. Consult CRR 210.010 Guidelines for Educational Programs and Courses for details and exceptions. For University programs, refer to the informational registration requirements handout (PDF). Non-university organizations should refer to the "Register a Youth Program" section of this page.
Hosting a Youth Program
Hosting a Youth Program
University Youth Program Policy Requirements
Each Youth Program is expected to meet certain requirements in order to be in compliance with the Youth Protection Policy. These requirements include but are not limited to:
Registering the program.
Screening adults working with youth including a background check and driver's license check, if applicable.
Number of staff based on the youth ages and type of program.
Staff orientations.
Completion of standardized approved documentation and forms and a policy notice being supplied to parents and guardians.
Program Staff Requirements
All Designated Individuals must complete the following screening:
Successfully complete a background check and a sex offender registry search completed prior to their work with a youth program. A department of motor vehicles state driving record check should be completed for Designated Individuals providing transportation.
Complete the Youth Protection and Campus Security Authority combined annual training
UM System-provided standard youth protection training including the campus security authority training (Clery reporting) is available to meet this requirement. While the standard YPP training is appropriate for most youth programs, alternate training programs may be approved on a case-by-case basis. Program coordinators interested in alternate training should reach out to the Youth Program Representative to submit a request for approval.
Are you a Designated Individual who needs to complete annual YPP training?
Please log into the registry to complete the . You may also want to reach out to your program coordinator with any questions, if necessary.
Ratio of Program Staff to Children
The supervision ratio of program staff to children is dependent on the age of the youth, and whether the program is an overnight or day program.
5 Years and Younger
Overnight programs 1 staff : 5 participants
Day programs 1 staff : 6 participants
6-8 years
Overnight programs 1 staff : 6 participants
Day programs 1 staff : 8 participants
9-14 years
Overnight programs 1 staff : 8 participants
Day programs 1 staff : 10 participants
15-18 years
Overnight programs 1 staff : 10 participants
Day programs 1 staff : 15 participants
One-on-One Contact
One-on-one contact, defined as personal, unsupervised interaction between any Designated Individual and a youth participant without at least one other minor, parent or legal guardian being present is not permitted except under limited circumstances.
Definitions
Youth are defined as any individual under the age of 18 who is not enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a student at the University.
A Designated Individual is any person, including faculty, staff, students, student employees, appointees or volunteers, who are eighteen years of age or older, and regardless of whether they are paid or unpaid, who supervise or have responsibilities for oversight of youth participants and/or other authorized adults of youth programs.
Other staff at youth programs may include youth leaders, who are people under the age of 18 who assists with the youth program under adult supervision
Documentation
Parents or guardians of a youth participant must receive the Youth Protection Policy Notice Letter which describes the Youth Protection policy and related reporting mechanisms. Each program should have a registration form, medical authorization and image release, at a minimum.
Program Forms
Contacts and Resources
For questions about youth programs, please contact the UM System Youth Program Representative:
Other Contacts and Resources
Risk and Insurance
Risk and Insurance Management (RIM) organizes, coordinates and implements programs to control risks for all 91Ï㽶¶ÌÊÓƵ campuses. They are available for consultation related to insurance, claims, accidents, waivers or risk consulting. They process charges for the camp and clinic insurance coverage which may apply to the youth program quarterly based on the registry information.
University Title IX Offices
Reach out to the local university Title IX Office if you have concerns about sexual harassment or other forms of discrimination or harassment or if you want to make a report.
If you suspect a minor may have been subjected to abuse or neglect, you are required to make a report to Missouri’s Children’s Division Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline, which is a 24/7 hotline which can be reached by calling (800) 392-3738. If you are also an employee of the 91Ï㽶¶ÌÊÓƵ, you are mandated to make a report to the University Equity or Title IX office. However, anyone may report such conduct to the University’s Equity or Title IX office and is always encouraged to do so.
University Police Departments
Each campus of the 91Ï㽶¶ÌÊÓƵ has a University Police Department committed to enhancing the safety of all its community members, including visitors.
Additional Resources
External to the UM System site
State of Missouri Dept. of Social Services Children’s Division (available 24/7): (800) 392-3738